Fireplace ash removal and disposal device



NOV. 5, 1968` Wl VACKAR 3,409,002

FIREPLACE ASH REMOVAL AND DISPOSAL DEVICE Filed April 20, 1967 BY#agde/n Praz/e@ United States Patent Omce 3,409,002 Patented Nov. 5,1968 3,409,002 FIREPLACE ASH REMOVAL AND DISPOSAL DEVICE Willie Vackar,904 Longley, Houston, Tex.

Filed Apr. 20, 1967, Ser. No. 632,429 6 Claims. (Cl. 126-420) ABSTRACT FTHE DISCLOSURE A double wall fireplace with an outer chimney containinga central fiue with the inlet end of a suction duct opening into the asharea of the fireplace and the exhaust end of the duct opening into thedisposal space bounded on the inside by the inner fireplace wall and thecentral liuc, respectively, and on the outside by the outer fireplacewall and the chimney.

Background of the invention Summary of the invention The apparatus ofthe present invention comprises a fireplace of double wall construction.This includes an inner firebox in -which fuel, such as logs, is burnedand which is connected to a central ue extending upwardly through achimney for conducting smoke fumes from the firebox to the atmosphere.An outer chimney surrounds the central flue and rests on an outerfireplace. The space formed between the outer fireplace wall thatextends around three sides of the ffirebox walls and the firebox as wellas the space between the chimney and central flue is used to dispose ofthe ashes accumulated in the fireplace. -The ashes are drawn into theinlet of a suction duct which opens into the fireplace. The outlet ofthe duct opens into the structural space resulting from the double wallconstruction.

The system of the invention provides removal of ashes from a fireplaceand disposal of the ashes in an area which is part of the lfireplacestructure itself.

The preferred embodiment of this invention will be described hereinaftertogether with other features thereof, and additional objects 4willbecome evident from such description.

The invention will be more readily understood from a reading of thefollowing specification and by reference to the accompanying drawingsforming a part thereof within an example of the invention is shown andwherein:

Brief description of the drawing FIG. 1 is a vertical section of the ashremoval apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 2 is a horizontal Ysection taken along the line 2--2 of FIG. 1; and

FIG. 3 is a horizontal section taken along the line 3--3 of FIG. 1.

Description of the preferred embodiment The drawings illustrate an ashremoval apparatus for use in a fireplace indicated generally at y10. Thefireplace includes a firebox 11 formed of the inner wall '12 and anouter fireplace wall 13. The walls 1-2 and 13 are constructed of brickor other appropriate material. A duct 14 formed of metal or otherfireproof material opens into the firebox 11 adjacent a hearth 15. Aninlet end 14a of the duct 14 is covered by a metal screen v16 to preventlarge unburned pieces of fuel from entering the duct 14.

The duct 14 extends from the firebox 11 to a ysuitable pump 17 nonmallydisposed externally of a chimney 18. The chimney 18 is constructed ofbrick or other suitable material. As shown, the pump 17 is driven by anelectric motor 19 having a suitable control switch (not shown) which maybe located near the fireplace 10 or remote therefrom, as desired. Boththe pump 17 and motor 19 are preferably protected from the weather by aremovable housing or cover 20 of metal or other material.

A central ue 21 of metal, tile, or other suitable material extends fromthe iirebox 11 to the top of the chimney 18 where it opens to theoutside air. A throat 24 formed at the juncture of the lirebox 11 andthe flue 21 is normally equipped with a conventional damper 25 which maybe moved to the open position shown in phantom at 25a.

The outer chimney wall 18, central fine 21, outer fireplace wall 13, andinner fireplace wall 12 co-operate to define a storage or disposal vault23. The upper end of such storage vault 2 3 is preferably provided witha cover or top 24 formed of brick or metal or the like with an air vent26 therein. An exhaust opening 14b of the duct 14 opens into thedisposal space 23 near its upper end and below the cover 24. Also, asshown, an opening 13a is provided in the wall 23 for removal of storedashes, or to service the apparatus of this invention should that bedesirable. A removable cover or plate 27 is also provided to close the`access opening 13a.

Operation of the invention After ashes have accumulated from thecombustion of fuel in the `firebox 11, the electric motor 19 may beactivated -by the switch to drive the pump 17. The suction created bythe pump 17 draws the ashes through the screen 16 and into the inletopening 14a of the duct 14. The ashes travel through the duct 14 andpump 17 and are then exhausted at the outlet end 14b of the duct 14 intothe disposal space 23. The air vent 2'6 affords a means of escape forthe air pumped into the disposal space 23 while the screen 26a coveringthe air vent 26 prevents the ashes or other material from escaping intothe outer air.

The ash removal apparatus of the present invention is completelyconstructed of reproof materials and as -a consequence, should a liveember inadvertently be deposited with the spent ashes in the disposalspace 23, it will present no lire hazard.

Under normal household use, the disposal space 23 can accommodate theashes accumulated over a relatively long period of time. If the disposalspace 23 should become filled, the access cover 27 may be opened toallow removal of the ashes from the space 23.

The foregoing disclosure and description of the invention areillustrative and explanatory thereof, and various changes in size,shape, and material as well as in the details of the illustratedconstruction may be made within the scope of the appended claims withoutdeparting from the spirit of the invention.

I claim:

1. A fireplace ash removal and disposal apparatus comprising:

(a) a fireplace and chimney structure;

(b) a disposal space within the confines of said fireplace and chimneystructure; and A (c) a suction duct opening into said fireplace andexhausting into said disposal space.

2. The invention of claim 1 wherein said Ifireplace and 3,-40210021 fL:iA 4

chimney structurecompriseaYY-doubleewa-ll fireplaceand (b)V ascreenedair-vent opening through vsaid cover a chimney with a central flue.plate; and

3, The invention of claim 1 lwherein said suction duct (c) a motordriven pump connected to said suction includes a pump driven 'by anelectric motor. duct.

4,-The invention of claim 1 wherein said disposal 5 References CitedSpace includes al1 all' Vent.

5. The invention of claim 1 wherein said disposal space 6. The inventionof claim 5 including:

(aziol fsf; screen over fe Het Opemng of Sad suc' FREDERICK KETrERER,Primary Examiner.

